Couper Marble Works (Norfolk, VA.)

A Guide to the Couper Marble Works (Norfolk, VA.) Records, 1848-1943Call Number Mss3 C8325 a

Abstract

Main Entry:

Couper Marble Works (Norfolk, VA.)

Title:

Records, 1848-1943

Size:

ca. 32,500 items

Provenance:

Gift of Monroe Couper

Restrictions:

None.

Collection Description

John Diedrich Couper (1822-1909) founded the Couper Marble Works in 1848. Located behind the family home on the corner of Main and Granby streets, Norfolk, Va., the firm specialized in the import and carving of stone used for construction and monuments. Run by succeeding members of the family, including John Diedrich Couper (1856-1917) and Charles Cowling Couper (1860-1942), the company remained in family hands for over one hundred years before closing in 1981. In later years it was known as Couper Memorials.

The collection consists of ca. 32,500 items and includes correspondence, accounts, contracts, orders, drawings, sketches, ledgers, and day books of the company. Also included are drawings and scrapbooks relating to the Norfolk Confederate Monument. The monument, located at Main Street and Commercial Place, was originally to be topped with a heroic bronze figure of peace, while four life-sized bronze figures representing a Confederate sailor, infantryman, cavalryman, and artilleryman were intended to adorn the base. The pedestal was completed in 1889. With money short, the original plans were reconsidered, and, in 1907, a handsome fifteen-foot bronze statue of a defiant Johnny Reb, created by renowned sculptor William Couper (1853-1942), son of John D. Couper (1822-1909), was added.

The collection was the gift of Monroe Couper, Waynesboro, Va., and Wilmington, Del., in 1968, 1969, and 1970. Accessioned 17 January 1969 and 9 February 1971.